skip to main content | skip to footer
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Marine Fisheries - Eastern Oyster

Marine Fisheries

 

 

Eastern Oyster

Crassostrea virginica

Appearance: The heavy, rough, irregular shell is typically 3-6 inches in length. Shells are usually dark gray to rust colored. The meat (see photo 2) is generally cream colored, however shell and meat color may vary depending on growing area conditions. Easterm oysters are frequently consumed raw, regularly served in restaurants and raw bars. They are regularly sold live as well as shucked.

Typical Range: Gulf of Mexico to Maine. Oysters are most widely harvested along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Pulbic Health Significance: Approved for human consumption if properly handled and labeled or tagged.

 

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries • 3441 Arendell Street • Morehead City, NC 28557 • (252) 726-7021 or 1-800-682-2632

NCDMF logo
38337 FEEDBACK

Your input is valuable to us. Please send us your feedback.

What type of feedback would you like to send?*

Ask a Question Report a Problem Have a Concern Make a Comment

(If you would like us to respond please include your phone or e-mail.)

Your Question has been sent. Thank you!

An internal server error prevented Your Question from being sent.
Please try again later, or call Toll-Free (877) 623-6748 for immediate assistance.

Please complete all highlighted items

Your Problem has been sent. Thank you!

An internal server error prevented Your Question from being sent.
Please try again later, or call Toll-Free (877) 623-6748 for immediate assistance.

Please complete all highlighted items

Your Concern has been sent. Thank you!

An internal server error prevented Your Question from being sent.
Please try again later, or call Toll-Free (877) 623-6748 for immediate assistance.

Please complete all highlighted items

Your Comment has been sent. Thank you!

An internal server error prevented Your Question from being sent.
Please try again later, or call Toll-Free (877) 623-6748 for immediate assistance.

Please complete all highlighted items

*If you are a DENR employee with an I.T. issue, please submit a DOTS ticket.